New Foam System Used To Fight Fires
BOLIVAR, Tenn- “We are now able to fight fires more effective in the city,” Bolivar Mayor, Barrett Stevens said. According to the city’s fire chief Lynn Price, it is all because of a compressed air foam, a mixture of concentrate, water, and air. Recently the department purchased Engine #3, adding a compressed air foam system to the new pumper. “Now when we come to a structure we will use less water and have less water damage,” Chief Price said. “And you know most structure fires have lots of water damage.” Chief Price said the new system will also cut down on water usage and costs for the city; but firefighters will not be able to use it until April 16 after undergoing extensive training. The training is one of the reasons Chief Price believes some local fire departments have not adopted the compressed foam method. Plus, there are front-end costs. The city paid more than $50,000 for the new system. “Anytime you get something that will save a building or a life, we need it,” Chief Price said. The refillable foam costs the department about $50 a gallon; but Chief Price said the long term benefits should outweigh the costs.
